Connecting device, particularly for sectional barrel-heads.



'H. A. HOUSE.

CONNECTING DEVICE, PARTlCULARLY FOR SECTIONAL BARREL HEADS.

APPLICATION FILED .MAR. 23, 1917 1,26,35 Patented June 4, 1918.

In/ VE/l/ TOR flizg l 1%use i] N f'l HENRY A. House, or BRIDGEPORT, CONNECTICUT.

CONNECTING DEVICE, PARTICULARLY FOB SECTIONAL BARREL-HEADS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented June 4:, 1%18.

Application filed March 23, 1917. Serial No. 156,843.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HENRY A. Housn, a citizen of the United States of America, and a resident of Bridgeport, in the State of Connecticut, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Connecting Devices, Particularly for Sectional Barrel-Heads, of which the following is a specification.

My present invention has been devised particularly for the purpose of connecting deta-chably with each other, the parts of a sectional barrel head, but may be applied in other cases also whenever it is desired to connect two parts of articles securely yet detachably.

A specific example of my invention, as applied to barrel heads, is shown in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a top view, with parts broken away, of a sectional barrel head embodying my new connecting device;

Fig. 2 is a partial cross-section on line 22 of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 shows the same parts as Fig. 2, but in a different position; and

Fig. 4 is a section substantially on line 4-4 of Fig. 1.

Similar reference characters indicate cor responding parts throughout the several figures of the drawings.

In the particular construction shown, the barrel head comprises two substantially semi-circular sections A, B, which preferably are exactly alike, so that only one type or pattern need be manufactured. At one end of the diameter along which the sections are to be joined, the section A has a slightly raised or expanded portion A adapted to overlap the mating unexpanded end of the section B. Similarly, the latter has an end portion B overlapping the ad jacent end of the section A. Between the end portions A B and at right angles to the diametral joint, the sections A, B are pro vided with tongues A B respectively, arranged to fit together in alternate fashion, like clasped or interlocking fingers; that is the tongues A fit between the tongues 13, and vice versa. The tongues are at a level slightly below that of themain portion of the respective section, so that in the assembled position (see Fig. 2) theyfit under the main portion of the other section, forming a crossed joint of scissors-like character. In order that the two sections A, B may be alike, I pref r the construction shown, when:

the last tongue at one end of the series A or B is at a greater distance from the periphery than the last tongue at the other end of the same series. Thus Fig. 1 shows the last tongue A or- B at one end of the series, at a. relatively great distance as from the periphery, while the last tongue at the other end of the same series is at a relatively small distance 3 from the periphery; the difference between these two distances, wg is equal to the width of one of the tongues A or B Each of the sections A, B is provided with a raised portion or ridge A ,B respectively,

parallel with the diametral joint and located at a distance therefrom approximately equal to the length of the tongues A B The lower surfaces of these ridges form grooves as shown best in Figs. 2 and 3, and the shoulders at the inner edges of these grooves,

this is, the edges nearest thejoint, constitute stops or abutments for hooks A, B projected at right angles from the edges of the tongues A B a short distance from the free ends of said tongues.

The upwardly bent portions or ridges A, B stop short of the peripheries of the respective sections A, B. and at the ends of these ridges, and in alinement with them, are arranged downwardlybent portions or sockets A A and B. B respectively. The

sockets A, B are comparatively short,

while the sockets A. B are relatively long and communicate with transverse or circumferential depressions A, B respectively. Locking rods C, D are journaled in the sockets A A and 13*, B respectively, and held down in said sockets by the lower surfaces of the ridges A B respectively, which ridges engage the rods from above. The rods C. D are provided with handles C D respectively adapted to be folded down into the depressions A", B respectively. Fur thermore, the rods C, D have longitudinal slots C D respectively adapted to receive the free ends of the tongues B A respectively, see Fig. 2. The rods C, D are slidable lengthwise, and the ends C D opposite the handles G, D are flattened, as shown in Fig. 4., and when the handles are pulled lengthwise toward the adjacent peripheral portions of the barrel head, the ends C, D (which in the position Fig. 1, rest on the fiat upper surface of the head) are withdrawn clear of the upper surface of the section A or B respectively, to the position illustrated by- Fig. A. In this positi n rod is free to turn, whereas in the position Fig. 1, the rod is held against turning by the engagement of its flattened end (C or D with the. top surface ofthe, corresponding head section (A or B). It will be 'observed that the depressions A 13" are wide enough to permit the handles C D to slide in. them, lengthwise of the axis, to bring the flattened ends from the locked position Fig. 1 to the free position Fig. a, and vice verse.

I also prefer to provide at least one-of the rodsC, D with an aperture, as G' in Fig. 4, which in the free position of the rod is covered by the ridge A and is exposed only when the rod is in the locked position Fig. 1. A wire E may then be passed through said hole C, and a seal Fa-pplied to this wire. It. will be obvious that if then an attempt should be made to bringthe rod G into the free position (Fig. 4e), thcedge of the ridge A would out said wire as: the aperture passes under said edge, and any tampering with the device would therefore be detected readily.

TWhile my invention is susceptible of a general application, I prefer to use it in connection with a barrel of the character indicated in Fig. 4;, the barrel havihgiat its end an inwardly bent plane flange a adjacent to which there is a longitudinal or cylindrical portion 6 which in conjunction with said flange a constitutes an angularor bent edge for the barrel; then follows a groove portion or contraction c, andadjacent thereto the barrel has outwardlyqn'ojecting inclined surfaces or chinesd. The edge portions of the sections A, Bare shaped accordingly with a bent edged, b',-:fitting over the barrel edge a, b, a contraction 0' flares outwardly to fit the chines (1. Thus the barrel head will be quite firmly and tightly connected with the barrel.

Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate the connected and locked position of the barrel head sections A, B. The ends of the tongues A pB vare within the longitudinal recesses D C of the rods D, C, which recesses are horizontal at that time, and the flattened portions C D are also horizontal and rest on the upper surfaces of the respective sections A,'B, the rods thus being locked against turning. Owing to the formation ofthe barrel and of the head attheir engaging edge portions. the head hugs the barrel end tightly. and this is further insured by the somewhat elastic nature of the tongues A B which are flexed and under tension. on account of their scissors like crossing and the action. of the rods C, D .as more fully explained below.

1f itis desired to remove the barrel head, the rods C, D are first moved lengthwise towardthe peripheral portion adjacent to the handles Ci, D respectively. Thisbrings the rods to a position such as shown in Fig. 4, the rods being then free to turn, as explained above, but, as previously stated,

thescalawir Bril have to hab to bring the rod'C to this free position. Upon turning the rods 0, D on their ii-256$; the.

and the two sections willthen be. en irely disconnected, and .free to-ibe pulled apart as indicated in Big. 3.

In assembling the device the opposite pro cedureis followed, the parts or sections A, B beingslipped together practically ,as indicated-in Fig-L 3,, it beingwunderstood thatthe curved edges a, b. of the; two sections: ha been properly fitted over the edge a, of the barrel. By tilting the adjacent edges of: the sections A, upward from the positioneFig ifi the ends of the tong es 51 4 are brought into the slots or recesses-D of the rodsD, C. By thcnturningth rod G, D ,bymeans of: their: handles G CD the parts are gradually f broughtzto the position Fig. .2, :andsthis also the bent edges a; Z of the, two sections to be tigh ly against the bent-edge e, .1), of the ba -rel, particularly-through the. action of the-hooks or lugs A, B on the inner surfaces of the ridges 15 3A respectively- 1.1? inalhnth rods G, D. being in the position FigA wi he slid lengthwise to; the locking; position 1, and the seal E, F applied, if desired. The cover or head when closed is; perfectly tight and very strong and rfirm- I have referred terthe sections. or parts A," B as constituting together a; ba rel head, but; the same construction is available fo the other end or. bottom of the harrehhand the term ihead as .used herein is .tobe understood .as applying tov either end.

I claim:

1. A device for connecting two. parts comprising spaced tongues projected from each ofsaid partstowardthe other part, at their meeting. edges the-tongues. of one part fitting into the spaces lbetween the. tongues ofithe other part, anda locking device. car ried by one. of said parts adapted (for engagement with thetonguesof the other part. a

2. A device for connecting two parts comprising tongues {projected :from each or said :parts toward xthe'other part, at their joint, ,and locking rods extending parallel to said joint,-mounted tOyturn on the respective -:parts, and each adapted forem gagement With-thetenghes ofthe othe part, said. rods being also slidable lengthwise, and the rods and the parts; on wh cl ithcy are mounted, bcingaformed with mating surfaces which a-reaedaptedito lcaaeth acds freeto turn when they are in one position, butto lock them against turning when they are slid into the other position. i

3. A device forwco mecting two parts, comprising spaced tongues projected from each of said parts toward the other part, at their joint the tongues ofone'part fitting into the spaces between theutongues of the other part, and a locking rod extending lengthwise of said joint, said rod being I mounted to turn on one of said parts and adapted for engagement with the tongues of the other part.

4. A device for connecting two parts, comprising tongues projected from each of said parts toward t e other part, at their joint, and a locking rod extending lengthwise of said joint, said rod being mounted to turn on one of said parts and provided with a longitudinal recess to receive the ends of the tongues of the other part.

5. A device for connecting two parts, comprising tongues projected from each of said parts toward the other part, at their joint, and a locking rod extending lengthwise of said joint, said rod being mounted to turn and to slide lengthwise onone of said parts, and adapted for engagement with the tongues of the other part, and means whereby the longitudinal shifting of the rod will according to the direction of the shifting movement, either lock the rod against turning or free it for turning.

6. A device for connecting two parts, comprising tongues projected from each of said parts toward the other part at their joint, one of said parts being provided at a distance from said joint with a recess parallel thereto, and with alining sockets located at opposite ends of said recess, and a rod mounted to move in said sockets and recess, and adapted for locking engagement with the tongues of the other part.

7. A device for connecting two parts, comprising tongues projected from each of said parts toward the other part at their joint, one of said parts being provided in one of its faceswith a recess parallel to said joint at a distance therefrom, and in the other face with alining sockets located at opposite ends of said recess, and a rod journaled in said sockets and recess, and adapted for locking engagement with the tongues of the other part.

8. A device for connecting two parts, comprising tongues projected from each of said parts toward the other part at their joint, the tongues on one part being formed with hooks, and the other part being formed with a recess to fit said hooks, and a device mounted movably on the recessed part and adapted for locking engagement with the tongues of the other part.

9. A device for connecting two parts, comprising tongues projected from each of said comprising tongues projected to engage one of the longitudina parts toward the other part at their joint,

arecess parallel to said joint at a distance therefrom, the said hooks being adapted to engage a wall'of saidfrecess," and a device mounted movably on one of said parts and adapted for looking engagement with the tongues of the other part.

10. A device for connectin two parts, rom each of said parts toward the other part at their joint, the tongues of one part being formed with books, and the other part being formed With a recess parallel to said joint at a distance therefrom, said hooks bein adapted walls of said recess, and a movable rod extending lengthwise within said recess, and adapted for locking engagement with the tongues of the other part.

11. A device for connecting two parts, comprising tongues projected from each of said parts toward the other at their joint, the tongues of one part being formed with hooks at a distance from their ends, the other part being formed with a recess parallel to said joint at a distance therefrom, said hooks being adapted to engage with that longitudinal wall of said recess which is nearest to the joint, and a locking rod adapted to engage the ends of the hooked tongues, and arranged lengthwise in that portion of said recess which is farthest away from the joint.

12. A device for connecting two parts. comprising tongues projected from each of said parts toward the other at their joint, sockets arranged on one of said parts at a distance from the joint, with the axes of said sockets parallel to the joint, and a locking rod arranged to turn and slide in said sockets and provided with a longitudinal recess to receive the ends of the tongues of the other part, said rod being provided at one end with a handle, and at the other end with a flattened portion adapted to be slid into engagement with a. surface on the part carrying said rod to lock the rod against turning.

13. A device for connecting two parts, comprising tongues projected from each of said parts toward the other at their joint, one of said parts being formed with bearing portions, and a rod mounted to turn and slide in said bearing portions and adapted for locking engagement with the tongues of the other part, said rod being provided with j joint and overlappingsaidl other part on relativel thereto, and adapted for engagemeni) wlth the tongues. of the other part,

fsziid devicebeing provided with: an operating handle located 011' the outside of the respective part.

testimony, that I claim the fioregoing as my invention, I shamesigne'd name 10 presence oftwe subsenibing: Wit/11955 88.

A; Home.

Witnesses:

STUART,"

Mom. M..

Copies of'thisr patent may be obtained 'fof fiveacents eaoh by addressing the' Gonimisionerdt Fatents,

Washingtdn, D. 0; 

